"It was an entertaining thought four or five years ago," Ronde said. "I don't know how realistic it is now. I've not had a chance to talk to [Bucs GM Mark Dominik or coach Raheem Morris] about it. Maybe the situation would be a little different under different circumstances. But I know he wants to go somewhere where feels like he's wanted."

And by all indications, 'somewhere he is wanted,' does not include Tampa Bay. Shortly after Tiki announced that he was interested in joining the Bucs, reports emerged that such interest was not reciprocated by the organization.

"I need to prove to myself that I can be successful at something," Barber told HBO. "I know I'm going to be successful as a football player. I don't know why. The odds say 'No.' I'm 36 and I haven't played in four years. But I just know."